Metropolis at Metrotown is welcoming the Year of the Horse with a month-long Lunar New Year celebration running from February 2 to March 3, 2026, bringing together cultural exhibitions, performances, hands-on activities, and community partnerships across the shopping centre in Burnaby.
The program begins with Vitality, an immersive exhibition presented by the Chinatown Storytelling Centre. Running throughout the centre’s regular hours, the installation explores the history and cultural meaning of Lunar New Year through visual storytelling, with live calligraphy demonstrations offered on select dates.
Families and LEGO fans can visit the Lunar New Year Play Pop-Up from February 7 to 11, featuring colourful displays, a life-sized LEGO lion, and free-build stations designed for all ages. The activation invites visitors to create their own good-luck builds and take part in interactive activities inspired by the season.
Creative workshops follow on February 14 and 15, when children and families can participate in Lunar New Year-themed arts and crafts, including drawing, colouring, and fortune cookie making.
Traditional performance takes centre stage on February 21 with a Lion Dance presentation and storytelling session, followed by a public workshop led by Bak Mei Vancouver Kung Fu & Lion Dance, offering visitors the chance to learn basic movements. A blessing by the God of Fortune is scheduled throughout the afternoon.
The God of Fortune will also make appearances on February 17 and 21, roaming the centre and distributing red pockets with special food offers from participating retailers.
The celebration culminates on February 22 with a full afternoon of live programming, including a children’s dragon dance procession, Shaolin Kung Fu demonstrations, a dumpling eating contest, and a showcase of traditional Asian dance styles in the Grand Court.
Shoppers can take part in a seasonal promotion beginning February 18, where qualifying purchases of $200 receive a $20 Metropolis at Metrotown gift card and a commemorative horse plush, while $5 from each redemption is donated to the Chinatown Storytelling Centre in support of their cultural preservation work.
Festive Lunar New Year décor will be displayed throughout the mall, creating a seasonal backdrop for shopping, dining, and cultural programming. Full event details and schedules are available at metropolisatmetrotown.com.